Epidermoid Cyst Removal

Epidermoid cyst removal is a procedure to remove a fluid-filled sac that forms under your skin (epidermoid cyst). This type of cyst is filled with a thick, oily substance (keratin) that is secreted by your skin glands. Epidermoid cysts may also be called epidermal cysts, or keratin cysts. Normally, the skin secretes this pasty material through a gland or a hair follicle. However, when a skin gland or hair follicle becomes blocked, an epidermoid cyst can form.

You may need this procedure if you have an epidermal cyst that becomes large, uncomfortable, or inflamed.

Tell a healthcare provider about:

• Any allergies you have.

• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbal medicines, eye drops, creams and over-the-counter medicines.

• Any problems you or family members have had with anaesthetics.

• Any blood disorders you have.

• Any surgeries you have had.

• Any medical conditions you have now or have had.

• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

What happens before the procedure?

• Ask your healthcare provider about:

  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.

  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and NSAIDs. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to take them.

  • Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal medicines and supplements.

• If you have an inflamed or infected cyst, you may have to take antibiotics before the cyst removal. Take your antibiotic as instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotics even if you start to feel better.

• Take a shower on the morning of your procedure. Your healthcare provider may ask you to use an antibacterial soap.

What happens during the procedure?

• You will be given a medicine to numb the area (local anaesthetic).

• The skin around the cyst will be cleaned with an antibacterial solution.

• The healthcare provider will make a small incision in your skin over the cyst.

• The healthcare provider will separate the cyst from the surrounding tissues that are under your skin.

• If possible, the cyst will be removed undamaged (intact).

• If the cyst bursts (ruptures), it will be removed in pieces.

• After the cyst is removed, the healthcare provider will control any bleeding and close the incision with small stitches (sutures). Small incisions may not need sutures, and the bleeding will be controlled by applying direct pressure with gauze.

• The healthcare provider may apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage (dressing) over the incision.

The procedure may vary among healthcare providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• If you are prescribed antibiotics or an antibiotic ointment, take or apply it as instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop using the antibiotics even if you start to feel better.

Summary

• Epidermoid cyst removal is a procedure to remove a sac that has formed under your skin.

• You may need this procedure if you have an epidermoid cyst that becomes large, uncomfortable, or inflamed.

• The healthcare provider will make a small incision in your skin to remove the cyst.

• If you are prescribed antibiotics before the procedure, after the procedure, or both, use them as instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop using the antibiotics even if you start to feel better.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.